Looking back, leaning forwards
Looking back:
Books are becoming less important with the widespread use of kindles but I grew up surrounded by them. Reading was an escape into other worlds, an education in so many fields. In my career as a Primary school teacher I wanted to pass on my enthusiasm for reading, writing and story telling. To encourage the exploration of the natural world and experimentation with various media.
Water-colour painting was something I indulged in only very occasionally, it didn't fit easily into family life with three sons. However they are and always have been encouraging of my efforts. Writing became something confined to reports, policies and record keeping. So it has only been recently, newly widowed and a little confused as to my role in life, that I looked again at my earlier 'creative leanings'. In the process I have been helped in finding a new direction and purpose.
Leaning forwards:
In my blog I intend to try to trace how this creativity has been fostered, what has hindered and what has helped and how my life has been enhanced by the challenges. Hopefully those of you who read it will find encouragement to explore your creativity.
Over the last few years I have taken creative writing courses at Plymouth College of Art and am currently still attending art classes at Harbour House Kingsbridge and Life drawing classes in Plymouth. I have exhibited at Harbour House Gallery and am a member of the Yealm Art Society and South Hams Art Forum.
Within the journal pages I will be sharing some of my experiments with writing and in the story writing section some updates on my current project, writing and illustrating a book.
Books are becoming less important with the widespread use of kindles but I grew up surrounded by them. Reading was an escape into other worlds, an education in so many fields. In my career as a Primary school teacher I wanted to pass on my enthusiasm for reading, writing and story telling. To encourage the exploration of the natural world and experimentation with various media.
Water-colour painting was something I indulged in only very occasionally, it didn't fit easily into family life with three sons. However they are and always have been encouraging of my efforts. Writing became something confined to reports, policies and record keeping. So it has only been recently, newly widowed and a little confused as to my role in life, that I looked again at my earlier 'creative leanings'. In the process I have been helped in finding a new direction and purpose.
Leaning forwards:
In my blog I intend to try to trace how this creativity has been fostered, what has hindered and what has helped and how my life has been enhanced by the challenges. Hopefully those of you who read it will find encouragement to explore your creativity.
Over the last few years I have taken creative writing courses at Plymouth College of Art and am currently still attending art classes at Harbour House Kingsbridge and Life drawing classes in Plymouth. I have exhibited at Harbour House Gallery and am a member of the Yealm Art Society and South Hams Art Forum.
Within the journal pages I will be sharing some of my experiments with writing and in the story writing section some updates on my current project, writing and illustrating a book.